An Order of Worship for the Lord’s Day
May 3, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Prelude
”Carcassi Etude No. 1” - performed by Michael Collings
Call to Worship – Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Opening Prayer
Lord of life, by submitting to death, you conquered the grave. By being lifted on a cross, you draw all people to yourself. By being raised from the dead, you restored to humanity all that we had lost through sin. Throughout these days of Easter, help us to believe and live into the marvelous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is yours, now and forever. Amen.
Opening Song
”Hallelujah, We Shall Rise”
Prayer of Confession
Lord, bring new life where we are worn and tired; new love where we have turned hard-hearted; forgiveness where we feel wounded and where we have wounded others; and the joy and freedom of your Holy Spirit where we are prisoners of ourselves. (Silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon
To all and to each, on his community and on his friends, where repentance is real, Jesus pronounces his pardon and grants us the right to begin again. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Children’s Message
Affirmation of Faith – from The Confession of 1967
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for men and women when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to men and women, moves them to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ. The new life takes shape in a community in which men and women know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.
Prayers of the People
Lord Jesus, we praise you. Your resurrection changed everything. We've heard stories telling us that you are alive, and some have seen it. Increase our faith and lead us, as you promised, into truth. You forgave us, so help us to forgive today. Give us the capacity to change because of your love. Thank you, Holy Spirit for your action to renew us and build the church again. Give us the will to act in love with the gifts you offer us so freely. We ask for patience, kindness, protection, and perseverance as we pray…
For all those in public office, may they use their authority to safeguard the well-being and dignity of human life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For scientists and medical leaders, may you help them apply their skills with integrity to prevent and heal the effects of the virus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For all those who provide education (especially ___________), that they teach with diligence, patience, wisdom, and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For students (especially ___________), that they will persevere and enjoy learning in new and different ways. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are unemployed (especially ___________), may they find meaningful work and experience your provision as they trust in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are sick (especially ___________), may they know your healing, comfort and care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who provide care (especially ___________), give them strength, courage, and rest. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are grieving (especially ___________), may they lament and receive comfort in your love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For the church, that our willingness to love others in your name would bring hope to the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We lift up these prayers, trusting that you hear us. And we pray now as Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or mailing one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
A Prayer in the Absence of the Lord’s Supper
Lord Jesus, we believe you are present in the Sacrament. We love you above all things and we long to receive you. Since we cannot receive you sacramentally at this time, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts and unite yourself to us. Please, let us never be separated from you. We pray this in your name, amen.
Closing Song
”Crown Him With Many Crowns”
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.